Siberian lynx seized in south Broward dies

This Siberian lynx was seized from a residence in Southwest Ranches, where… (Florida Fish and Wildlife…)

January 2, 2013|By David Fleshler, Sun Sentinel

A Siberian lynx seized from a residence in Southwest Ranches has died, most likely as the direct result of inadequate care by its owners, the state wildlife service said Wednesday.

The 65-pound wild cat was discovered in a cage without clean drinking water, suffering from severe skin and eye infections, as well as kidney and liver failure, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The wildlife service brought the lynx to a licensed exotic animal care facility, but said "sadly, the cat was unable to recover from extensive damage to his internal organs."

The owner of the property, Paul C. Stewart, was cited for possessing a class II animal without a permit and for improper caging. His 15-year-old son had acquired the lynx in his absence from Daniel Blinder, a Miami wildlife dealer, agreeing to trade Blinder a dune buggy and dirt bike for the lynx. The teen later tried to sell the lynx on Craigslist.

"The poor condition of the lynx when it was discovered by FWC Officers was most likely the direct result of the improper care and housing it was being given throughout its lifetime by people that did not have proper understanding of the animal's needs," the FWC said.

Blinder was issued citations for providing a class II animal to an unpermitted person and for obstruction, having initially denied his involvement, according to an FWC report.

The charges against both men are second-degree misdemeanors, carrying maximum penalties of $500 fines and one-year jail terms for each count.